Chris Christie: I’m NOT Too Fat To Be President

Barbara Walters addressed the touchy subject when she interviewed New Jersey governor Chris Christie as a part of her Most Fascinating People special.

She asked the governor and possible Republican presidential nominee if he agrees with the criticism that he is too fat to run for the position of Commander in Chief.

‘That’s ridiculous, I mean that’s ridiculous- I don’t know what the basis for that is,’ he said in the interview.

One of the concerns often cited by his critics is that the 50-year-old politician’s obesity increases the risk of health problems like possible Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers.

‘I’ve done this job pretty well, and I think people have watched me for the last number of weeks with Hurricane Sandy doing 18 hour days and getting right back up the next day and still being just as effective in the job, so I don’t really think that would be a problem,’ he said in response.

Recent polls back up his point, as his handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy helped him achieve a 72 per cent approval rating which is the highest that any governor of New Jersey ever, from either party.

He also announced his intention to run for re-election next year, saying that he wants to continue to support the state as they work through the rebuilding process.

Though he brushes off his weight as a possible hindrance to any future political aspirations, Christie acknowledged that he is aware of the interest in his shapely figure.

‘I feel very uncomfortable asking this question when I am sitting opposite you, but you are a little overweight,’ Walters asked.

‘More than a little,’ he responded.

She then went on to ask if he knew the reason why, and he simply responded: ‘If I could figure that out, I’d fix it.’

This is far from the first time that the touchy subject has come up in interviews, and Piers Morgan asked about his exercise regime during a February appearance.

‘I’m working on it,’ he told Piers Morgan.

‘I’m eating better — I’ve been working with a trainer on a regular basis and worked before we met today.’

Walters also interviewed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton- who is widely considered to be a contender for the presidential race in 2016- and rather than focusing on the political issues at hand, she chose to pay attention to a different sensitive subject: her hair.